DURHAM – A vaccine for the prevention of measles, mumps, and rubella developed and made by GlaxoSmithKline has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to the company.

The vaccine is Priorix, which according to a statement from the British company, is already licensed for use in more than 100 countries.  And there have been more than 800 million doses distributed globally, the company said.

Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious viral diseases.  Vaccines can prevent against the contraction and spreading of these diseases.  GSK’s Priorix has been approved for those aged one years old and older by the U.S. FDA.

The World Health Organization measured a number of measles outbreaks in recent years, including in 2019 when there were more than 400,000 confirmed cases globally.

“We’re proud to make Priorix available in the US for the first time, adding a choice for providers to help protect patients against these highly-contagious diseases and to further strengthen offerings in our paediatric vaccine portfolio,” said Judy Stewart, senior vice president and head of US vaccines at GSK, in a statement.

GlaxoSmithKline to relocate offices, hundreds of workers to Downtown Durham

Could be formally included in vaccine schedule

According to GSK, which employs hundreds of workers based in a new office facility in Durham, the vaccine will be discussed at the upcoming CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting “for consideration of formal inclusion into the vaccine schedule and recommendations.”

Six clinical studies, with more than 12,000 participants, were evaluated by the U.S. FDA, according to the company’s statement.  The vaccine is delivered in two doses, the statement notes, and the second dose can be delivered to individuals who have received a first vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella other than Priorix.

A first dose is recommended for children aged 12 to 15 months, with the second dose recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, between four and six years of age.

The company also noted in its statement the prescribing information and contraindications for the vaccine.

The vaccine’s approval was also reported by Reuters.  GSK made an investment in a firm developing new vaccines that use messenger RNA (mRNA) last year.

GSK invests hundreds of millions in vaccine firm backed by Bill, Melinda Gates

MMR